Opportunistic uplink scheduling

ABSTRACT

Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate scheduling uplink transmissions. For instance, a time sharing scheme can be utilized such that differing mobile devices can be scheduled to transmit during differing time slots; however, it is also contemplated that a static scheme can be employed. Pursuant to an illustration, an interference budget can be combined with a time varying weighting factor associated with a base station; the weighting factor can be predefined and/or adaptively adjusted (e.g., based upon a load balancing mechanism). Moreover, the weighted interference budget can be leveraged for selecting mobile devices for uplink transmission (e.g., based at least in part upon path loss ratios of the mobile devices). Further, disparate interference budgets can be utilized by differing channels of a sector at a particular time. Also, for example, a base station can assign a loading factor to be utilized by wireless terminal(s) for generating channel quality report(s).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/943,489 entitled “OPPORTUNISTIC UPLINK SCHEDULING,” filed Nov.20, 2007, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/943,504,entitled “OPPORTUNISTIC UPLINK SCHEDULING,” filed Nov. 20, 2007, andco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/943,512, entitled“OPPORTUNISTIC UPLINK SCHEDULING,” filed Nov. 20, 2007, assigned to theassignee hereof, and expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

I. Field

The following description relates generally to wireless communications,and more particularly to uplink scheduling in wireless communicationsystems.

II. Background

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide varioustypes of communication; for instance, voice and/or data can be providedvia such wireless communication systems. A typical wirelesscommunication system, or network, can provide multiple users access toone or more shared resources. For instance, a system can use a varietyof multiple access techniques such as Frequency Division Multiplexing(FDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Code Division Multiplexing(CDM), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and others.

Common wireless communication systems employ one or more base stationsthat provide a coverage area. A typical base station can transmitmultiple data streams for broadcast, multicast and/or unicast services,wherein a data stream can be a stream of data that can be of independentreception interest to a mobile device. A mobile device within thecoverage area of such base station can be employed to receive one, morethan one, or all the data streams carried by the composite stream.Likewise, a mobile device can transmit data to the base station oranother mobile device.

Generally, wireless multiple-access communication systems cansimultaneously support communication for multiple mobile devices. Eachmobile device can communicate with one or more base stations viatransmissions on forward and reverse links. The forward link (ordownlink) refers to the communication link from base stations to mobiledevices, and the reverse link (or uplink) refers to the communicationlink from mobile devices to base stations.

Wireless communication systems oftentimes schedule downlink and uplinktransmissions. As an example, base stations commonly assign channels,times, frequencies, and so forth for mobile devices to utilize forcommunicating over the uplink. Conventional uplink scheduling schemesare typically based upon power control algorithms. The goal of suchalgorithms can be to achieve sustainable transmit rates for all users inthe system. For CDMA systems, the targeted rates for different users canusually be chosen to be substantially similar to one another; thus, thetransmit power of each mobile device can be controlled such that thereceived signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) exceeds a certainthreshold. Such strategy can be more beneficial for utilization withvoice-user oriented networks. For data networks, a framework thatextends the power control algorithms to a more general rate-controlframework can be employed where each user can target a different rate aslong as the rate-vector is within a capacity region. Under thisalgorithm, the system can converge to a rate vector within the capacityregion that can maximize a given utility function. However, the targetedrate vector remains sustainable in that every user transmits at everytime and the algorithm leads to an equilibrium where every mobiletransmits at a certain rate. Due to the existence of inter and intracell interference, sustainable rates can introduce inefficiencies sincesuch sustainable rates may not be the optimal achievable rates for theusers.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodimentsin order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. Thissummary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments,and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of allembodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in asimplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented later.

In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosurethereof, various aspects are described in connection with facilitatingscheduling of uplink transmissions. For instance, a time sharing schemecan be utilized such that differing mobile devices can be scheduled totransmit during differing time slots; however, it is also contemplatedthat a static scheme can be employed. Pursuant to an illustration, aninterference budget can be combined with a time varying weighting factorassociated with a base station; the weighting factor can be predefinedand/or adaptively adjusted (e.g., based upon a load balancingmechanism). Moreover, the weighted interference budget can be leveragedfor selecting mobile devices for uplink transmission (e.g., based atleast in part upon path loss ratios of the mobile devices). By way of afurther illustration, disparate interference budgets can be utilized fordiffering channels of a sector at a particular time, and the disparateinterference budgets can be employed for uplink scheduling upon therespective channels. According to another example, a base station canassign a loading factor to be utilized by wireless terminal(s) forgenerating channel quality report(s) (e.g., the loading factor isleveraged by wireless terminal(s) to determine path loss ratio(s)). Theassigned loading factor can be static or dynamic. Further, the basestation can obtain the channel quality report(s) and thereafter selectmobile devices for uplink transmission.

According to related aspects, a method that facilitates schedulinguplink transmissions in a communication network including a first basestation that includes a first sector utilizing a dynamic loading offsetlevel pattern is described herein. The method can include broadcasting afirst loading factor based on a first loading offset level determinedfrom a first time varying loading offset level pattern corresponding toa first time slot. Further, the method can comprise broadcasting asecond loading factor based on a first loading offset level determinedfrom the first time varying loading offset level pattern correspondingto a second time slot, the first loading offset level differs from thesecond loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB. Moreover, the method caninclude receiving channel quality reports from one or more mobiledevices pertaining to evaluated path loss ratios during the first timeslot and the second time slot. The method can also include scheduling afirst mobile device for uplink transmission during the first time sloton a first channel based on the channel quality reports and the firstloading factor. Additionally, the method can comprise scheduling asecond mobile device for uplink transmission during the second time sloton the first channel based on the channel quality reports and the secondloading factor. Moreover, the method can include transmittingassignments to the first mobile device and the second mobile devicerelated to the scheduled uplink transmissions.

Another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus. Thewireless communications apparatus can include a memory that retainsinstructions related to broadcasting a first loading factor based on afirst loading offset level determined from a first time varying loadingoffset level pattern corresponding to a first time slot, broadcasting asecond loading factor based on a second loading offset level determinedfrom the first time varying loading offset level pattern correspondingto a second time slot, the first loading offset level differs from thesecond loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB, receiving channelquality reports from one or more mobile devices pertaining to evaluatedpath loss ratios during the first time slot and the second time slot,scheduling a first mobile device for uplink transmission during thefirst time slot on a first channel based on the channel quality reportsand the first loading factor, scheduling a second mobile device foruplink transmission during the second time slot on the first channelbased on the channel quality reports and the second loading factor, andsending assignments to the first mobile device and the second mobiledevice related to the scheduled uplink transmissions. Further, thewireless communications apparatus can include a processor, coupled tothe memory, configured to execute the instructions retained in thememory.

Yet another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus thatenables scheduling uplink transmissions by utilizing a dynamic loadingoffset level pattern. The wireless communications apparatus can includemeans for broadcasting a first loading factor based on a first loadingoffset level determined from a first time varying loading offset levelpattern based on a first time slot. Further, the wireless communicationsapparatus can comprise means for broadcasting a second loading factorbased on a second loading offset level determined from the first timevarying loading offset level pattern based on a second time slot.Moreover, the wireless communications apparatus can include means forobtaining channel quality reports from at least one mobile devicerelated to analyzed path loss ratios. Additionally, the wirelesscommunications apparatus can comprise means for scheduling a firstmobile device for uplink transmission during the first time slot basedon the channel quality reports and the first loading factor. Further,the wireless communications apparatus can include means for scheduling asecond mobile device for uplink transmission during the second time slotbased on the channel quality reports and the second loading factor.Moreover, the wireless communications apparatus can include means forsending assignments to the scheduled mobile devices.

Still another aspect relates to a machine-readable medium having storedthereon machine-executable instructions for broadcasting a first loadingfactor based on a first loading offset level and a second loading factorbased on a second loading offset level identified from a first timevarying loading offset level pattern, the first loading factorcorresponding to a first time slot and the second loading factorcorresponding to a second time slot; receiving channel quality reportsfrom at least one mobile device related path loss ratios generated basedupon the first loading factor and the second loading factor; andscheduling a first mobile device for uplink transmission during thefirst time slot and a second mobile device for uplink transmissionduring the second time slot based upon the channel quality reports.

In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus in a wirelesscommunication system can include a processor, wherein the processor canbe configured to broadcast a first loading factor based on a firstloading offset level and a second loading factor based on a secondloading offset level identified from a first time varying loading offsetlevel pattern, the first loading factor corresponding to a first timeslot and the second loading factor corresponding to a second time slot.Further, the processor can be configured to obtain channel qualityreports from at least one mobile device related path loss ratiosgenerated based upon the first loading factor and the second loadingfactor. Moreover, the processor can be configured to schedule a firstmobile device for uplink transmission during the first time slot and asecond mobile device for uplink transmission during the second time slotbased upon the channel quality reports.

According to other aspects, a method of operating a wireless mobiledevice in an environment that utilizes a dynamic loading offset levelpattern is described herein. The method can include receiving a firstloading factor based on at least a first loading offset information froma first base station at a first time slot. Further, the method caninclude determining a first loading offset level pattern from the firstloading offset information. Moreover, the method can comprisedetermining a first interference ratio at a second time slot based on atleast a first loading offset level determined by the first loadingoffset level pattern. Additionally, the method can include sending afirst signal that includes the first interference ratio at the secondtime slot to the first base station.

Yet another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus thatcan include a memory that retains instructions related to obtaining afirst loading factor based on at least a first loading offsetinformation from a first base station during a first time slot,deciphering a first loading offset level pattern based upon the firstloading offset information, generating a first interference ratio duringa second time slot based on a first loading offset level recognizedbased upon the first loading offset level pattern, and transmitting afirst signal that includes the first interference ratio during thesecond time slot to the first base station. Further, the wirelesscommunications apparatus can comprise a processor, coupled to thememory, configured to execute the instructions retained in the memory.

Another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus thatenables evaluating an interference ratio based upon a dynamic loadingoffset level pattern. The wireless communications apparatus can includemeans for obtaining a first loading factor based on at least a firstloading offset information from a first base station at a first timeslot. Further, the wireless communications apparatus can comprise meansfor determining a first loading offset level pattern from the firstloading offset information. Moreover, the wireless communicationsapparatus can include means for evaluating a first interference ratio ata second time slot based on a first loading offset level determined fromthe first loading offset level pattern. Additionally, the wirelesscommunications apparatus can include means for transmitting a firstsignal that includes the first interference ratio at the second timeslot to the first base station.

Still another aspect relates to a machine-readable medium having storedthereon machine-executable instructions for obtaining a first loadingfactor based on at least a first loading offset information from a firstbase station at a first time slot, determining a first loading offsetlevel pattern from the first loading offset information by employing atleast one of a lookup table or a predetermined function, evaluating afirst interference ratio at a second time slot based on a first loadingoffset level determined from the first loading offset level pattern, andtransmitting a first signal that includes the first interference ratioat the second time slot to the first base station.

In accordance with another aspect, an apparatus in a wirelesscommunication system can include a processor, wherein the processor canbe configured to receive a first loading factor based on at least afirst loading offset information from a first base station at a firsttime slot; determine a first loading offset level pattern from the firstloading offset information; determine a first interference ratio at asecond time slot based on at least a first loading offset leveldetermined by the first loading offset level pattern; and/or send afirst signal that includes the first interference ratio at the secondtime slot to the first base station.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or moreembodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects ofthe one or more embodiments. These aspects are indicative, however, ofbut a few of the various ways in which the principles of variousembodiments may be employed and the described embodiments are intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wireless communication system inaccordance with various aspects set forth herein.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example system that schedules uplinktransmissions based at least in part upon an interference budget.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example system that includes multiplecells that can utilize respective time varying interference budgets.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example weighting diagram for varyinginterference budgets as a function of time.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example system that adaptively adjustsinterference budget weighting based upon load for time varying uplinkscheduling.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example sector-wise reuse multi-celldeployment in accordance with various aspects of the claimed subjectmatter.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example cell-wise reuse deployment ofmultiple cells for an interference budget reuse scheme.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example system that schedules uplinktransmissions based upon channel quality report(s) obtained from mobiledevice(s) generated as a function of assigned loading factor(s).

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example diagram depicting time varyingloading factors.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an example sector-wise reuse multi-celldeployment in accordance with various aspects of the claimed subjectmatter.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example cell-wise reuse deployment ofmultiple cells for a loading factor reuse scheme.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmission based upon a consideration of time.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitatesaltering a time variation of a weighted interference budget to enableload balancing.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmissions in a communication network including afirst base station that includes a first sector utilizing a staticinterference budget with multi-carriers.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmissions in a communication network including afirst base station that includes a first sector employing a dynamicinterference budget.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmissions in a communication network including afirst base station that includes a first sector employing static loadingoffset levels.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmissions in a communication network including afirst base station that includes a first sector utilizing dynamicloading offset level pattern(s).

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an example methodology that facilitatesoperating a wireless mobile device in an environment that utilizes adynamic loading offset level pattern.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of an example communication systemimplemented in accordance with various aspects including multiple cells.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of an example base station in accordance withvarious aspects.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of an example wireless terminal (e.g., mobiledevice, end node, . . . ) implemented in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 22 is an illustration of an example system that enables schedulinguplink transmissions by utilizing a static interference budget in amulti-carrier environment.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of an example system that enables schedulinguplink transmissions by utilizing a dynamic interference budget.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of an example system that enables schedulinguplink transmissions by utilizing a static loading offset level.

FIG. 25 is an illustration of an example system that enables schedulinguplink transmissions by utilizing a dynamic loading offset levelpattern.

FIG. 26 is an illustration of an example system that enables evaluatingan interference ratio based upon a dynamic loading offset level pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however,that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more embodiments.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,”and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, eitherhardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. For example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on acomputing device and the computing device can be a component. One ormore components can reside within a process and/or thread of executionand a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributedbetween two or more computers. In addition, these components can executefrom various computer readable media having various data structuresstored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/orremote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or moredata packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with anothercomponent in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a networksuch as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal).

Furthermore, various embodiments are described herein in connection witha wireless terminal. A wireless terminal can also be called a system,subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, mobiledevice, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal,terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device, oruser equipment (UE). A wireless terminal may be a cellular telephone, acordless telephone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, awireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), ahandheld device having wireless connection capability, computing device,or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. Moreover,various embodiments are described herein in connection with a basestation. A base station may be utilized for communicating with wirelessterminal(s) and may also be referred to as an access point, Node B, orsome other terminology.

Moreover, various aspects or features described herein may beimplemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture usingstandard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term “article ofmanufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer programaccessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. Forexample, computer-readable media can include but are not limited tomagnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips,etc.), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk(DVD), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., EPROM, card,stick, key drive, etc.). Additionally, various storage media describedherein can represent one or more devices and/or other machine-readablemedia for storing information. The term “machine-readable medium” caninclude, without being limited to, wireless channels and various othermedia capable of storing, containing, and/or carrying instruction(s)and/or data.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 100 isillustrated in accordance with various embodiments presented herein.System 100 can comprise one or more base stations 102 (e.g., accesspoints) in one or more sectors that receive, transmit, repeat, etc.,wireless communication signals to each other and/or to one or moremobile devices 104. Each base station 102 can comprise a transmitterchain and a receiver chain, each of which can in turn comprise aplurality of components associated with signal transmission andreception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers, demodulators,demultiplexers, antennas, . . . ) as will be appreciated by one skilledin the art. Mobile devices 104 can be, for example, cellular phones,smart phones, laptops, handheld communication devices, handheldcomputing devices, satellite radios, global positioning systems, PDAs,and/or any other suitable device for communicating over wirelesscommunication system 100. Base stations 102 can each communicate withone or more mobile devices 104. Base stations 102 can transmitinformation to mobile devices 104 over a forward link (downlink) andreceive information from mobile devices 104 over a reverse link(uplink).

System 100 can support differing types of users such as close-to-basestation users (e.g., one or more mobile devices 104) and cell-boundaryusers (e.g., one or more mobile devices 104). For example, inter-cellinterference (e.g., interference generated by a mobile device atnon-serving base station(s)) yielded by a mobile device 104 can besimilar to signal strength observed at a serving base station whencell-boundary users transmit upon the uplink. Further, close-to-basestation users can generate a lesser amount of inter-cell interference.

Moreover, system 100 can enable time sharing between mobile devices 104;thus, different mobile devices 104 can transmit on the uplink duringdiffering time slots. Time sharing can be effectuated by base station102 scheduling uplink transmission, for instance. Base station 102 canutilize an interference budget in connection with uplink scheduling.Further, the interference budget can be time varying (or weighted by atime varying factor). Additionally, the interference budget can be afunction of an identity of a cell (e.g., interference budgets can differbetween cells during a particular time slot). Pursuant to anotherillustration, the interference budget can vary between sectors. Uplinkscheduling can be effectuated such that when the interference budget isgood, cell-boundary users can be scheduled, and when the interferencebudget is bad, the close-to-base station users can be scheduled.According to another example, base station 102 can provide a loadingfactor to be employed by mobile devices 104 for generating channelquality reports. The loading factor can be dynamic (e.g., time varying)or static (e.g., each sector and/or cell can employ a respective loadingfactor that need not change as a function of time). Thereafter, basestation 102 can obtain the channel quality reports and schedule uplinktransmission based upon such reports.

Accordingly, the scheme employed in connection with system 100 canprovide benefits by mitigating interference seen by cell-boundary usersas compared to an amount of inter-cell interference commonly observedwith cell-boundary users in conventional systems that leveragepower-control based algorithms. Additionally, close-to-base stationusers can be scheduled with higher transmit power to compensate forhigher interference observed while utilizing the time varyinginterference budget based scheme as compared to power-control basedschemes since the users need not be power limited. Further,close-to-base station users can be scheduled more frequently whenemploying the time varying interference budget based scheme supported bysystem 100.

Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is a system 200 that schedules uplinktransmissions based at least in part upon an interference budget. Forinstance, the interference budget can be dynamic (e.g., time varying) orstatic. According to another example, differing interference budgets canbe utilized for scheduling uplink transmission upon disparate uplinkchannels; these differing interference budgets can be dynamic and/orstatic. System 200 includes a base station 202 that can serve one ormore mobile devices (e.g., mobile device 1 204, . . . , mobile device N206, where N can be substantially any integer); accordingly, links canbe established between base station 202 and mobile devices 204-206. Eachmobile device 204-206 can communicate with base station 202 (and/ordisparate base station(s)) on downlink and/or uplink channel(s) at anygiven moment. The downlink refers to the communication link from basestation 202 to mobile devices 204-206, and the uplink channel refers tothe communication link from mobile devices 204-206 to base station 202.Base station 202 can further communicate with other base station(s)and/or any disparate devices (e.g., servers) (not shown) that canperform functions such as, for example, authentication and authorizationof mobile devices 204-206, accounting, billing, and so forth.

Base station 202 can include an opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 thatgenerates assignments for uplink transmissions from mobile devices204-206 to base station 202. Opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 canallocate resources to be utilized by mobile devices 204-206. Forexample, at a particular time, opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 canallot an uplink channel (and/or a plurality of uplink channels) to beutilized by a particular mobile device (e.g., mobile device 1 204, . . .); meanwhile, a disparate mobile device (e.g., mobile device N 206, . .. ) can be scheduled by opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 at adiffering time (however, the claimed subject matter is not so limited).Opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 can transfer assignments torespective mobile devices 204-206, for example. It is contemplated thatthe assignments yielded by opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 canprovide information related to time (e.g., time slot, duration, . . . ),channel, frequency (e.g., tone(s)), power level, rate, and the like tobe employed for uplink communication.

Opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 can include an interference budgeter210 and a user selector 212. Opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 canemploy a scheme that leverages the non-convexity nature of a sustainablerate region. For instance, rates can be assigned by opportunistic uplinkscheduler 208 according to the following criterion:

${\sum\limits_{{i:{c{(i)}}} = k}\;{N_{i}\alpha_{i}\gamma_{i}}} \leq {l_{k}w_{k}}$where N_(i) is the number of tones used by user i, α_(i) is the spillage(or path loss ratio) and γ_(i) is the targeted SNR of user i.Additionally, l_(k)w_(k) is the weighted interference budget of cell k(e.g., l_(k) is the interference budget of cell k and w_(k) is theweighting of cell k). The interference budget sets forth a totalinterference level not to be exceeded by user(s) employing uplinkchannel(s) associated with a particular cell (and/or sector). Further,the interference budget is leveraged by opportunistic uplink scheduler208 when selecting user(s) to schedule for uplink transmission.Interference budgeter 210 can vary the weighted interference budgetacross time. For instance, interference budgeter 210 can employ a timevariation curve that can weight the interference budget. Following thisillustration, the time variation curve can be predefined and/or adaptiveaccording to a load balancing mechanism. By way of example, l_(k)'s canbe weighted by interference budgeter 210 in a manner such that a goodinterference budget can be yielded when neighboring cell(s) haverelatively bad interference budgets. Thus, interference budgeters ofdisparate base stations (not shown) similar to interference budgeter 210can enable a plurality of cells to coordinate time variation of therespective interference budgets associated with each of the cells;hence, the interference budgets of the plurality of cells can complementone another over time.

Moreover, user selector 212 can schedule particular mobile devices204-206 for uplink transmission based upon the time varying interferencebudget yielded by interference budgeter 210. User selector 212 canchoose a particular mobile device (e.g., mobile device 1 204, . . . )from amongst the set of mobile devices 204-206 to assign to an uplinktraffic channel during a time slot as a function of the time varyinginterference budget. User selector 212 can schedule cell-boundary users(e.g., mobile device(s) 204-206 located further from base station 202)when the interference budget is good and close-to-base station users(e.g., mobile device(s) 204-206 located proximate to the base station202) when the interference budget is bad. Hence, cell-boundary users canexperience decreased interference as compared to similar users employingpower-control based algorithms since such users in disparate cells canbe scheduled at differing times for uplink transmission.

According to another example, interference budgeter 210 can allocate afirst interference budget for uplink scheduling upon a first channel anda second interference budget for uplink scheduling upon a secondchannel. For instance, the first interference budget and the secondinterference budget can be static and/or dynamic. Although twointerference budgets and two channels are described herein, it iscontemplate that any number of channels can be allotted any number ofrespective interference budgets for uplink scheduling. Thus, forinstance, user selector 212 can schedule a cell-boundary user upon afirst channel with a good interference budget and a close-to-basestation user upon a second channel with a bad interference budget.

Now referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example system 300 thatincludes multiple cells that can utilize respective time varyinginterference budgets. System 300 includes a first cell associated with afirst base station 302 and a second cell associated with a second basestation 304. Although system 300 is depicted to comprise two basestations and two cells, the claimed subject matter contemplatesemploying any number of base stations and cells. Further, according tothe illustrated example, each base station 302-304 can serve arespective cell-boundary mobile device (e.g., base station 302 can servemobile device 306 and base station 304 can serve mobile device 308) anda respective close-to-base station mobile device (e.g., base station 302can serve mobile device 310 and base station 304 can serve mobile device312); however, it is to be appreciated that any number of mobile devicescan be served by each base station 302-304 and/or mobile devices can belocated at any positions within cells.

Due to the existence of inter and intra cell interference, sustainablerates typically utilized in conventional systems might not provideoptimal achievable rates for the users. According to an illustrationwhere two adjacent cells each include a respective cell-boundary mobiledevice (e.g., cell-boundary mobile devices 306-308), the interferencegenerated by each of these mobile devices to the non-serving basestation can be substantially similar to the signal strength to theirrespective serving base station. Moreover, due to the symmetry ofmobiles, conventionally techniques employing sustainable ratesoftentimes allow these cell-boundary mobile devices to transmit at fullpower and the resulting rate vector can consist of two identical entrieswhich correspond to the rates achieved at zero SINR.

In contrast, system 300 enables time sharing between mobiles such thatdifferent mobile devices 306-312 transmit at different time slots.Pursuant to the above two-mobile two-base station example, time slotsfor transmission for each cell-boundary mobile devices 306-308 can bealternated. By time sharing, mobile devices 306-308 can transmit lessfrequently; however, SINR gains can compensate for the loss in degreesof freedom and thus benefit both mobile devices 306-308. Thus,improvement can be obtained by removing the sustainable condition on therates typically associated with conventional techniques.

Moreover, in connection with scheduling uplink transmissions, path lossratios can be determined for mobile devices 306-312 (e.g., mobiledevices 306-312 can each generate respective channel quality reportspertaining to their evaluated path loss ratios, and the channel qualityreports can be communicated to base stations 302-304 for schedulinguplink transmissions by mobile devices 306-312). The path loss ratio canbe evaluated according to the following:

$\alpha_{i} = {\frac{\sum\limits_{k \neq {c{(i)}}}\;{h_{ik}{load}_{k}}}{h_{{ic}{(i)}}}.}$According, α_(i) is the path loss ratio of user i, h_(ik) is the pathloss between the user i and cell k, h_(ic(i)) is the path loss betweenthe user i and the serving cell c(i), and load_(k) is the loading factorassigned by cell k. For instance, the loading factor can be static ordynamic. Moreover, the path loss ratio can be greater for cell-boundarymobile devices 306-308 in comparison to close-to-base station mobiledevices 310-312 (e.g., close-to-base station mobile devices 310-312 cancreate less interference to neighboring, non-serving base stations sincetheir path losses can be lower).

Differences in the path loss ratios for the mobile devices 306-312 canbe leveraged for uplink scheduling on the basis of the time varyinginterference budget. By way of illustration, the first cell associatedwith base station 302 can have a high interference budget and the secondcell associated with base station 304 can have a low interference budgetat a particular time. Further, base station 302 can schedulecell-boundary mobile device 306 for uplink transmission during this timeslot, while base station 304 can refrain from scheduling cell-boundarymobile device 308 at this time; rather, close-to-base station mobiledevice 312 can be scheduled by base station 304 during this time slot.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an example weighting diagram 400for varying interference budgets as a function of time. Diagram 400depicts two weighting curves 402 and 404 that vary between 0.5 and 1.5over time. Each base station (e.g., base station 202 of FIG. 2, basestations 302-304 of FIG. 3, . . . ) in a network can be associated witha particular one of the weighting curves 402-404. For example, basestation 302 can utilize weighting curve 402 and base station 304 canemploy weighting curve 404; however, the claimed subject matter is notso limited. During each time slot, the base station can multiply aninterference budget by the weight set forth in the respective weightingcurve 402-404, and the resultant value can be utilized by the basestation for scheduling mobile device(s) for uplink transmissions.Further, nearby base stations can utilize differing weighting curvesfrom the set of weighting curves.

Although two weighting curves 402-404 are shown, it is contemplated thatany number of weighting curves can be utilized. Moreover, it is to beappreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited to employingsinusoidal weighting curves; rather, any time varying patterns can beutilized (e.g., patterns need not be smooth curves). For example, anycomplementary weighting patterns can be used such that the sum of allweighting patterns can be constant over time. By way of illustration,time varying patterns of discrete weights can be used; however, theclaimed subject matter is not so limited. Further, the claimed subjectmatter is not limited to employing a weight that varies between 0.5 and1.5.

Now turning to FIG. 5, illustrated is a system 500 that adaptivelyadjusts interference budget weighting based upon load for time varyinguplink scheduling. System 500 includes base station 202 that can furthercomprise opportunistic uplink scheduler 208, interference budgeter 210,and user selector 212 as described above. Further, interference budgeter210 can include a load evaluator 502 and an adaptive weighter 504.

Load evaluator 502 can analyze loading information from disparate basestation(s) and/or loading information associated with base station 202.For instance, base station(s) can share loading information with nearbybase stations to enable such analysis. According to another example,loading information from each base station can be collected by a networkdevice (not shown), and base station 202 can thereafter retrieve suchloading information. Load evaluator 502 can compare numbers of mobiledevices served by each base station, path loss ratios of mobile devicesserved by each base station (e.g., which can relate to positions ofmobile devices within cells, interference yielded by such mobiledevices, . . . ), and so forth. According to an illustration, loadevaluator 502 can determine that base station 202 serves one hundredmobile devices while a neighboring base station serves ten mobiledevices; however, the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

Adaptive weighter 504 can adjust the weighting utilized by interferencebudgeter 210 based upon the analyzed loading information. For instance,adaptive weighter 504 can alter the weighting in real time based uponnetwork loading. Following the above illustration where base station 202serves one hundred mobile devices and the neighboring base stationserves ten mobile device, adaptive weighter 504 can shift a mean of theweights utilized by interference budgeter 210 higher in comparison to amean of the weights employed by an interference budgeter of theneighboring base station; however, the claimed subject matter is not solimited as it is contemplated that any variation can be made by adaptiveweighter 504 (e.g., adaptive weighter 504 can alter frequency, mean,periodicity, offset, pattern, pattern type, . . . ). Moreover, accordingto another illustration, adaptive weighter 504 can enable altering aloading factor provided to mobile device(s) to generate path lossratio(s) in addition to or instead of varying the weighted interferencebudget.

Thereafter, mobile device(s) can be chosen by user selector 212 forscheduling upon the uplink based upon the adaptive, time varying,weighted interference budget. Accordingly, assignment(s) can be yielded(e.g., transferred to respective mobile devices) in response to suchselections. The assignments can include information related to timeslot, duration, channel, frequency (e.g., tone(s)), power level, rate,and so forth to be utilized by a mobile device for uplink transmission.

Turning to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example sector-wise reusemulti-cell deployment 600 in accordance with various aspects of theclaimed subject matter. As depicted, the multi-cell deployment 600 cancomprise multiple cells 602 dispersed over a geographic area to form acommunication network. Each of the cells 602 can include three sectorsas shown; however, it is contemplated that one or more of the cells 602can include fewer than and/or greater than three sectors. Further, it isto be appreciated that the multi-cell deployment 600 can supportmultiple carriers and/or a single carrier.

The sectorized cells 602 can be located in a regular hexagon grid andcan extend beyond the grid depicted (e.g., any number of cells 602 canbe included in the grid, . . . ). For each of the sectors of the cells602, an interference budget (e.g., I1, I2, I3, . . . ) can be chosen.For instance, the interference budgets can be weighted and can vary as afunction of time. Pursuant to another illustration, the interferencebudgets can be static. Further, the interference budgets can be reusedacross all of the sectors. According to the illustrated example, threedistinct interference budgets can respectively be allocated to each ofthe three sectors of each of the cells 602; thus, sector 1 can beallocated interference budget 1 (I1), sector 2 can be allocatedinterference budget 2 (P2), and sector 3 can be allocated interferencebudget 3 (P3). Moreover, the same pattern can be reused across all ofthe cells 602.

Additionally, pursuant to an illustration where multiple carriers aresupported for uplink communication in each sector, each sector canutilize a set of interference budgets. Further, each interference budgetin the set can correspond to a particular carrier (e.g., the set caninclude a first interference budget that relates to a first carrier anda second interference budget that relates to a second carrier utilizedin a particular sector, . . . ). Thus, I1, I2, and I3 as shown in thedeployment 600 can represent three distinct sets of interferencebudgets.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example cell-wise reuse deployment 700 of multiplecells for an interference budget reuse scheme. A plurality of cells 702,704, 706 are included within the grid associated with the deployment700. As shown, the cells 702-706 include three sectors; however, theclaimed subject matter is not limited to utilization of cells with threesectors. The deployment 700 can be employed when leakages fromintra-cell sectors are significant. In particular, the deployment 700can use a substantially similar interference budget (or set ofinterference budgets that each correspond to a particular carrier in amulti-carrier scenario) for sectors inside the same cell and differentinterference budgets (or sets of interference budgets) across differentcells. Thus, according to the depicted example, cells 702 can includethree sectors that utilize interference budget 1 (I1) (or set ofinterference budgets I1), cells 704 can include three sectors thatemploy interference budget 2 (I2) (or set of interference budgets I2),and cells 706 can include three sectors that use interference budget 3(I3) (or set of interference budgets I3). Further, each cell 702 can beadjacent to cell(s) 704 and/or cell(s) 706 (and cells 704 and cells 706can similarly be adjacent to differing types of cells), and therefore,adjacent cells can utilize differing interference budgets (e.g., a cell702 is not directly adjacent to another cell 702). It is contemplated,however, that any number of differing interference budgets (or sets ofinterference budgets) can be employed by different cells, and thus, theclaimed subject matter is not limited to the illustrated example.

Now turning to FIG. 8, illustrated is a system 800 that schedules uplinktransmissions based upon channel quality report(s) obtained from mobiledevice(s) generated as a function of assigned loading factor(s). System800 includes base station 202 that communicates with mobile devices204-206. Base station 202 comprises opportunistic uplink scheduler 208,which can further include a load assigner 802 and user selector 212.Moreover, each mobile device 204-206 can include a respective channelquality evaluator 804-806 (e.g., mobile device 1 204 includes channelquality evaluator 1 804, . . . , mobile device N 206 includes channelquality evaluator N 806).

Load assigner 802 identifies a loading factor to be utilized by mobiledevices 204-206 in connection with determining respective path lossratios of mobile devices 204-206. The loading factor can be a functionof a loading status (e.g., number of users) of base station 202 (or asector of base station 202), for instance. For example, the loadingfactor selected by load assigner 802 can be determined as a function oftime (e.g., dynamic). By way of another illustration, the loading factoridentified by load assigner 802 can be static (e.g., preset based uponan identity of a sector, a cell, etc.). Further, load assigner 802enables communicating the loading factor to mobile devices 204-206; forinstance, load assigner 802 can effectuate broadcasting the loadingfactor to mobile devices 204-206. By way of another illustration, loadassigner 802 can identify and communicate a plurality of loadingfactors, and each of the loading factors can be utilized by mobiledevices 204-206 to evaluate path loss ratios corresponding to respectivecarriers.

Mobile devices 204-206 obtain the loading factor(s) from base station202. Thereafter, channel quality evaluators 804-806 determine respectivepath loss ratios for mobile devices 204-206 as a function of thereceived loading factor(s). The path loss ratios can be analyzedaccording to

${\alpha_{i} = \frac{\sum\limits_{k \neq {c{(i)}}}\;{h_{ik}{load}_{k}}}{h_{{ic}{(i)}}}},$where α_(i) is the path loss ratio of user i, h_(ik) is the path lossbetween the user i and cell k, h_(ic(i)), is the path loss between theuser i and the serving cell c(i), and load_(k) is the loading factorassigned by cell k. Channel quality evaluators 804-806 can yield channelquality reports that include information associated with the analyzedpath loss ratios (e.g., an interference ratio in a channel between asignal strength from a serving base station to the mobile device and aweighted sum of signal strengths from interfering sectors where theweight is a function of the loading factor). Moreover, channel qualityevaluators 804-806 can enable transmitting the channel quality reportsto base station 202.

Base station 202 receives the channel quality reports from mobiledevices 204-206. Opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 (and/or userselector 212) can schedule one or more mobile devices 204-206 for uplinktransmission based upon the channel quality reports. Moreover,opportunistic uplink scheduler 208 can transmit an assignment to thescheduled mobile device(s) 204-206 related to the scheduled uplinktransmission. For instance, the assignment can include a maximuminterference budget allocated to the scheduled mobile device(s) 204-206for uplink transmission.

With reference to FIG. 9, illustrated is an example diagram 900depicting time varying loading factors. Diagram 900 includes two loadingfactor curves 902 and 904 that can be utilized by disparate basestations, cells, sectors, etc. in a network. For example, a first sectorcan employ loading factor curve 902 and a second sector can utilizeloading factor curve 904 for selecting respective loading factors toassign to mobile devices for generating channel quality reports;however, the claimed subject matter is not so limited. Further, nearbybase stations, cells, sectors, etc. can utilize differing loading factorcurves. Although two loading factor curves 902-904 are shown, it iscontemplated that any number of loading factor curves can be employed.Moreover, it is contemplated that the claimed subject matter is notlimited to employing sinusoidal loading factor curves; rather, any timevarying patterns can be utilized (e.g., patterns need not be smoothcurves, patterns can include discrete loading factor values, . . . ).Additionally, loading factor curves associated with differing basestations, cells, sectors, etc. need not have substantially similarfrequencies, amplitudes, etc. as shown; instead, loading factor curvescan have differing frequencies, amplitudes, and the like. Also, any timeshift between loading factor curves can be employed.

Turning to FIG. 10, illustrated is an example sector-wise reusemulti-cell deployment 1000 in accordance with various aspects of theclaimed subject matter. As depicted, the multi-cell deployment 1000 cancomprise multiple cells 1002 dispersed over a geographic area to form acommunication network. Each of the cells 1002 can include three sectorsas shown; however, it is contemplated that one or more of the cells 1002can include fewer than and/or greater than three sectors. Further, it isto be appreciated that the multi-cell deployment 1000 can supportmultiple carriers and/or a single carrier. The sectorized cells 1002 canbe located in a regular hexagon grid and can extend beyond the griddepicted (e.g., any number of cells 1002 can be included in the grid, .. . ). For each of the sectors of the cells 1002, a loading factor(e.g., LF1, LF2, LF3, . . . ) can be chosen. For instance, the loadingfactors can vary as a function of time (e.g., a time varying loadingfactor pattern can be employed). Pursuant to another illustration, theloading factors can be static. Further, the loading factors can bereused across all of the sectors. According to the illustrated example,three distinct loading factors can respectively be allocated to each ofthe three sectors of each of the cells 1002; thus, sector 1 can beallocated loading factor 1 (LF1), sector 2 can be allocated loadingfactor 2 (LF2), and sector 3 can be allocated loading factor 3 (LF3).Moreover, the same pattern can be reused across all of the cells 1002.

Additionally, pursuant to an illustration where multiple carriers aresupported for uplink communication in each sector, each sector canutilize a set of loading factors. Further, each loading factor in theset can correspond to a particular carrier (e.g., the set can include afirst loading factor that relates to a first carrier and a secondloading factor that relates to a second carrier utilized in a particularsector, . . . ). Thus, LF1, LF2, and LF3 as shown in the deployment 1000can represent three distinct sets of loading factors.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example cell-wise reuse deployment 1100 ofmultiple cells for a loading factor reuse scheme. A plurality of cells1102, 1104, 1106 are included within the grid associated with thedeployment 1100. As shown, the cells 1102-1106 include three sectors;however, the claimed subject matter is not limited to utilization ofcells with three sectors. The deployment 1100 can be employed whenleakages from intra-cell sectors are significant. In particular, thedeployment 1100 can use a substantially similar loading factor (or setof loading factors that each correspond to a particular carrier in amulti-carrier scenario) for sectors inside the same cell and differentloading factors (or sets of loading factors) across different cells.Thus, according to the depicted example, cells 1102 can include threesectors that utilize loading factor 1 (LF1) (or set of loading factorsLF1), cells 1104 can include three sectors that employ loading factor 2(LF2) (or set of loading factors LF2), and cells 1106 can include threesectors that use loading factor 3 (LF3) (or set of loading factors LF3).Further, each cell 1102 can be adjacent to cell(s) 1104 and/or cell(s)1106 (and cells 1104 and cells 1106 can similarly be adjacent todiffering types of cells), and therefore, adjacent cells can utilizediffering loading factors (e.g., a cell 1102 is not directly adjacent toanother cell 1102). It is contemplated, however, that any number ofdiffering loading factors (or sets of loading factors) can be employedby different cells, and thus, the claimed subject matter is not limitedto the illustrated example.

Referring to FIGS. 12-18, methodologies relating to opportunistic uplinkscheduling in a wireless communication network are illustrated. While,for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shownand described as a series of acts, it is to be understood andappreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of acts,as some acts may, in accordance with one or more embodiments, occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown anddescribed herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understandand appreciate that a methodology could alternatively be represented asa series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram.Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement amethodology in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Turning to FIG. 12, illustrated is a methodology 1200 that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmission based upon a consideration of time. At1202, a weighted interference budget can be determined as a function oftime. The interference budget can be time varying and/or can bemultiplied by a weighting factor that can be time varying. Further, theweighted interference budget can vary according to a predefined patternand/or can follow an adaptively determined pattern (e.g., to enable loadbalancing). According to another illustration, time varying, weightedinterference budgets utilized by nearby base stations (and/or cells) cancomplement each other; for instance, the sum of the time varying,weighted interference budgets can be constant over time.

At 1204, a mobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmission at aparticular time based upon the weighted interference budget. Forexample, a mobile device with a large path loss ratio (e.g.,cell-boundary mobile device) can be scheduled when the weightedinterference budget is relatively large and a mobile device with a smallpath loss ratio (e.g., close-to-base station mobile device) can bescheduled when the weighted interference budget is relatively small. At1206, an assignment can be transmitted to the mobile device related tothe scheduled uplink transmission. For instance, the assignment caninclude information pertaining to time slot, duration, frequency (e.g.,tone(s)), power level, rate, and so forth to be utilized by the mobiledevice for uplink transmission.

Now referring to FIG. 13, illustrated is a methodology 1300 thatfacilitates altering a time variation of a weighted interference budgetto enable load balancing. At 1302, load balancing information pertainingto a base station and at least one neighboring base station in a networkcan be analyzed. For instance, a number of users served by each basestation can be compared. According to another illustration, the types ofusers and/or path loss ratios associated with the users of each of thebase stations can be evaluated. At 1304, a weighting pattern that variesas a function of time can be adaptively adjusted based upon the loadbalancing analysis. By way of example, a mean value of the time varyingweighting pattern can be increased for the base station when such basestation serves a greater number of users than the neighboring basestation(s). Further, it is contemplated that the weighting pattern canbe adaptively adjusted in real time, periodically, etc. At 1306, aweighted interference budget can be generated based upon the adaptivelyadjusted weighting pattern, where the weighted interference budget canbe a function of time. The weighted interference budget can be utilizedto schedule uplink transmissions.

Referring to FIG. 14, illustrated is a methodology 1400 that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmissions in a communication network including afirst base station that includes a first sector utilizing a staticinterference budget with multi-carriers. At 1402, channel qualityreports can be received from one or more mobile devices. The channelquality reports can include a measurement of an interference ratiobetween a signal strength from the serving base station to the mobiledevice and a weighted sum of signal strengths from interfering basestations. At 1404, a first mobile device can be scheduled for uplinktransmission from the first sector on a first channel during a firsttime slot based on a first interference budget level. For example, thefirst channel can include a first frequency bandwidth. Further, it is tobe appreciated that one or more mobile devices can be scheduled inaddition to the first mobile device (and similarly the other mobiledevices described below can be scheduled with one or more additionalmobile devices). At 1406, a second mobile device can be scheduled foruplink transmission from the first sector on a second channel during thefirst time slot based on a second interference budget level. The secondchannel, for instance, can include a second frequency bandwidth.Further, the first frequency bandwidth and the second frequencybandwidth can be non-overlapping. Moreover, the first interferencebudget level and the second interference budget level can differ fromeach other by at least 0.5 dB, for example. At 1408, assignments can betransmitted to the first mobile device and the second mobile devicerelated to the scheduled uplink transmissions. By way of illustration,the assignments can include information pertaining to a maximuminterference budget assigned to the corresponding mobile device for theuplink transmission. Accordingly, the sum interference emitted fromscheduled mobile device(s) upon each channel in the first sector of thefirst base station at the first time slot can be limited to therespective interference budget levels.

Pursuant to an example, the first base station can include a secondsector. Thus, a third mobile device can be scheduled for uplinktransmission from the second sector on a third channel during the firsttime slot based on a third interference budget level, where the thirdchannel can include a third frequency bandwidth. Moreover, a fourthmobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmission from the secondsector on a fourth channel during the first time slot based on a fourthinterference budget level, where the fourth channel can include a fourthfrequency bandwidth. Further, the third and fourth interference budgetlevels can be at least 0.5 dB different from each other. Additionally,the first frequency bandwidth and the third frequency bandwidth can haveat least 50% in common while the second frequency bandwidth and thefourth frequency bandwidth can have at least 50% in common. According toanother illustration, the first interference budget level can be greaterthan the third interference budget level and the second interferencebudget level can be less than the fourth interference budget level.

According to another example, the communication network can furtherinclude a second base station that comprises a third sector. Thus, afifth mobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmission from thethird sector on a fifth channel during the first time slot based on afifth interference budget level, where the fifth channel can include afifth frequency bandwidth. Additionally, a sixth mobile device can bescheduled for uplink transmission from the third sector on a sixthchannel during the first time slot based on a sixth interference budget,where the sixth channel can include a sixth frequency bandwidth.Thereafter, assignments can be transmitted to the fifth and sixth mobiledevices related to the scheduled uplink transmissions. Moreover, thefifth and sixth interference budget levels can differ by at least 0.5dB.

Turning to FIG. 15, illustrated is a methodology 1500 that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmissions in a communication network including afirst base station that includes a first sector employing a dynamicinterference budget. At 1502, channel quality reports can be receivedfrom one or more mobile devices. At 1504, a first mobile device can bescheduled for uplink transmission from a first sector on a first channelduring a first time slot based on a first interference budget level. At1506, a second mobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmissionfrom the first sector on the first channel during a second time slotbased on a second interference budget level. Further, the firstinterference budget level and the second interference budget levels canbe determined from a first interference budget pattern that varies overtime. The interference budget pattern can be pre-determined, dynamicallyadjusted, etc. At 1508, assignments can be transmitted to the firstmobile device and the second mobile device related to the scheduleduplink transmissions.

According to an example, a third mobile device can be scheduled foruplink transmission from the first sector on a second channel during thefirst time slot based on a third interference budget level and a fourthmobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmission from the firstsector on the second channel during the second time slot based on afourth interference budget level. Moreover, the third and fourthinterference budget levels can be determined from a second interferencebudget pattern. Additionally, a summation of the first interferencebudget level and the third interference budget level can be within 0.5dB from a summation of the second interference budget level and thefourth interference budget level.

Following a further illustration, the first base station can include asecond sector. Moreover, a fifth mobile device can be scheduled foruplink transmission from the second sector on the first channel duringthe first time slot based on a fifth interference budget level.Additionally, a sixth mobile device can be scheduled for uplinktransmission from the second sector on the first channel during thesecond time slot based on a sixth interference budget level, where thefifth and sixth interference budget levels can be determined from athird interference budget pattern. For example, the first and thirdinterference budget patterns can be periodical with dissimilar periods.According to another illustration, the first and third interferencebudget patterns can be periodical with substantially similar periods anddiffering phases.

The communication network can further include a second base station thatcan comprise a third sector, for example. A seventh mobile device can bescheduled for uplink transmission from the third sector on the firstchannel during the first time slot based on a seventh interferencebudget level and an eighth mobile device can be scheduled for uplinktransmission from the third sector on the first channel during thesecond time slot based on an eighth interference budget level. Further,the seventh and eighth interference budget levels can be determined froma fourth interference budget pattern.

With reference to FIG. 16, illustrated is a methodology 1600 thatfacilitates scheduling uplink transmissions in a communication networkincluding a first base station that includes a first sector employingstatic loading offset levels. At 1602, a first loading factor utilizedto evaluate a path loss ratio related to a first channel can bebroadcasted. The first loading factor can be based on at least a firstloading offset level. Further, the first loading factor can be afunction of a number of mobile devices served on the first channel andthe first loading offset level. At 1604, a second loading factorutilized to evaluate a path loss ratio related to a second channel canbe broadcasted. The second loading factor can be based on at least asecond loading offset level. Moreover, the second loading factor can bea function of a number of mobile devices served on the second channeland the second loading offset level. Moreover, the first loading offsetlevel and the second loading offset level can be at least 0.5 dBdifferent from each other. At 1606, channel quality reports can bereceived from one or more mobile devices pertaining to the evaluatedpath loss ratios. The channel quality reports can include measurementsof interference ratios related to the first channel and/or secondchannel. For instance, the measurement of the interference ratio for thefirst channel can be between a signal strength from the serving basestation to the mobile device and the weighted sum of signal strengthsfrom interfering sectors, where the weighting can be a function of thefirst loading factor (and the interference ratio for the second channelcan be similarly determined). At 1608, a first mobile device can bescheduled for uplink transmission on the first channel based on thechannel quality reports. The first channel can include a first frequencybandwidth, for example. At 1608, a second mobile device can be scheduledfor uplink transmission on the second channel based on the channelquality reports. The second channel can include a second frequencybandwidth, for instance. Further, the first frequency bandwidth and thesecond frequency bandwidth can be non-overlapping. At 1612, assignmentscan be transmitted to the first mobile device and the second mobiledevice related to the scheduled uplink transmissions. The assignmentscan include a maximum interference budget allocated to the respectivemobile devices for utilization with the scheduled uplink transmissions.The loading factors described herein can be functions of loadingstatuses (e.g., number of users) associated with corresponding sectors.Moreover, the loading offset levels can be offsets from nominal values,which can be the loading factors.

According to another example, the first base station can further includea second sector. Moreover, a third loading factor based on a thirdloading offset level utilized to evaluate a path loss ratiocorresponding to the second sector and related to the first channel canbe broadcasted, a fourth loading factor based on a fourth loading offsetlevel utilized to evaluate a path loss ratio corresponding to the secondsector and related to the second channel can be broadcasted, and channelquality reports from one or more mobile devices can be received.Further, a third mobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmissionon the first channel based on the channel quality reports, a fourthmobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmission on the secondchannel based on the channel quality reports, and assignments can betransmitted to the third mobile device and the fourth mobile devicerelated to the scheduled uplink transmissions. The third and fourthloading offset levels, for example, can be at least 0.5 dB differentfrom one another. Additionally, the first loading offset level can begreater than the third loading offset level and the second loadingoffset level can be less than the fourth loading offset level.

Pursuant to a further illustration, the communication network caninclude a second base station that includes a third sector. A fifthloading factor based on a fifth loading offset level utilized toevaluate a path loss ratio corresponding to the third sector and relatedto the first channel can be broadcasted, a sixth loading factor based ona sixth loading offset level utilized to evaluate a path loss ratiocorresponding to the third sector and related to the second channel canbe broadcasted, and channel quality reports from one or more mobiledevices can be received. Further, a fifth mobile device can be scheduledfor uplink transmission on the first channel based on the channelquality reports, a sixth mobile device can be scheduled for uplinktransmission on the second channel based on the channel quality reports,and assignments can be transmitted to the fifth mobile device and thesixth mobile device related to the scheduled uplink transmissions.Moreover, the first loading offset level can be greater than the fifthloading offset level and the second loading offset level can be lessthan the sixth loading offset level.

Turning to FIG. 17, illustrated is a methodology 1700 that facilitatesscheduling uplink transmissions in a communication network including afirst base station that includes a first sector utilizing dynamicloading offset level pattern(s). At 1702, a first loading factordetermined from a first time varying loading offset level patterncorresponding to a first time slot can be broadcasted. The first loadingfactor can be based on a first loading offset level. At 1704, a secondloading factor determined from the first time varying loading offsetlevel pattern corresponding to a second time slot can be broadcasted.The second loading factor can be based on a second loading offset level.The first loading offset level and the second loading offset level candiffer by at least 0.5 dB. At 1706, channel quality reports can bereceived from one or more mobile devices pertaining to evaluated pathloss ratios during the first time slot and the second time slot. At1708, a first mobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmissionduring the first time slot based on the channel quality reports and thefirst loading factor. At 1710, a second mobile device can be scheduledfor uplink transmission during the second time slot based on the channelquality reports and the second loading factor. The first mobile deviceand the second mobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmissionupon a first channel, which can include a first frequency bandwidth. At1712, assignments can be transmitted to the first mobile device and thesecond mobile device related to the scheduled uplink transmissions.

By way of illustration, a third loading factor based on a third loadingoffset level determined from a second time varying loading offset levelpattern corresponding to the first time slot can be broadcasted and afourth loading factor based on a fourth loading offset level determinedfrom the second time varying loading offset level pattern correspondingto the second time slot can be broadcasted. The third loading offsetlevel and the fourth loading offset level can differ from each other byat least 0.5 dB. Moreover, a third mobile device can be scheduled foruplink transmission during the first time slot on a second channel basedat least in part upon the channel quality reports and the third loadingfactor. The second channel can include a second frequency bandwidth.Further, a fourth mobile device can be scheduled for uplink transmissionduring the second time slot on the second channel based at least in partupon the channel quality reports and the fourth loading factor. Forinstance, a summation of the first loading offset level and the thirdloading offset level can be within 0.5 dB of a summation of the secondloading offset level and the fourth loading offset level. Additionally,the first frequency bandwidth and the second frequency bandwidth can benon-overlapping. According to further examples, the first base stationcan include a disparate sector that utilizes a differing loading offsetlevel pattern and/or a differing base station in the communicationnetwork can include a disparate sector that employs a differing loadingoffset level pattern.

With reference to FIG. 18, illustrated is a methodology that facilitatesoperating a wireless mobile device in an environment that utilizes adynamic loading offset level pattern. At 1802, a first loading factorcan be received based on at least a first loading offset informationfrom a first base station at a first time slot. At 1804, a first loadingoffset level pattern can be determined from the first loading offsetinformation. For example, the first loading offset level pattern can bedeciphered by employing a lookup table, a predetermined function, andthe like. At 1806, a first interference ratio can be determined at asecond time slot based on at least a first loading offset leveldetermined by the first loading offset level pattern. At 1808, a firstsignal that includes the first interference ratio can be sent at thesecond time slot to the first base station.

According to a further example, a second interference ratio can bedetermined at a third time slot based on at least a second loadingoffset level determined by the first loading offset level pattern.Further, a second signal that includes the second interference ratio canbe sent at the third time slot to the base station. Moreover, the firstloading offset level and the second loading offset level can differ byat least 0.5 dB.

Pursuant to a further illustration, a second loading factor thatincludes at least a second loading offset information can be receivedfrom a second base station at a fourth time slot. A second loadingoffset level pattern can be determined from the second loading offsetinformation. The second loading offset level pattern can be generated byusing a lookup table, a predetermined function, etc. Moreover, the firstinterference ratio can be determined based on at least the first loadingoffset level determined by the first loading offset level pattern andthe second loading offset level determined by the second loading offsetlevel pattern.

It will be appreciated that, in accordance with one or more aspectsdescribed herein, inferences can be made regarding uplink scheduling ina wireless communication network. As used herein, the term to “infer” or“inference” refers generally to the process of reasoning about orinferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set ofobservations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can beemployed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate aprobability distribution over states, for example. The inference can beprobabilistic—that is, the computation of a probability distributionover states of interest based on a consideration of data and events.Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composinghigher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inferenceresults in the construction of new events or actions from a set ofobserved events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events arecorrelated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and datacome from one or several event and data sources.

According to an example, one or more methods presented above can includemaking inferences pertaining to identifying respective loads encounteredby base station(s) and/or cell(s). In accordance with another example,loading information can be leveraged to infer how to adapt weightingpattern(s). It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples areillustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the number ofinferences that can be made or the manner in which such inferences aremade in conjunction with the various embodiments and/or methodsdescribed herein.

FIG. 19 depicts an example communication system 1900 implemented inaccordance with various aspects including multiple cells: cell 1 1902,cell M 1904. Note that neighboring cells 1902, 1904 overlap slightly, asindicated by cell boundary region 1968. Each cell 1902, 1904 of system1900 includes three sectors. Cells which have not been subdivided intomultiple sectors (N=1), cells with two sectors (N=2) and cells with morethan 3 sectors (N>3) are also possible in accordance with variousaspects. Cell 1902 includes a first sector, sector 1 1910, a secondsector, sector II 1912, and a third sector, sector III 1914. Each sector1910, 1912, 1914 has two sector boundary regions; each boundary regionis shared between two adjacent sectors.

Cell 1 1902 includes a base station (BS), base station I 1906, and aplurality of end nodes (ENs) (e.g., wireless terminals) in each sector1910, 1912, 1914. Sector I 1910 includes EN(1) 1936 and EN(X) 1938;sector II 1912 includes EN(1′) 1944 and EN(X′) 1946; sector III 1914includes EN(1″) 1952 and EN(X″) 1954. Similarly, cell M 1904 includesbase station M 1908, and a plurality of end nodes (ENs) in each sector1922, 1924, 1926. Sector I 1922 includes EN(1) 1936′ and EN(X) 1938′;sector II 1924 includes EN(1′) 1944′ and EN(X′) 1946′; sector 3 1926includes EN(1″) 1952′ and EN(X″) 1954′.

System 1900 also includes a network node 1960 which is coupled to BS I1906 and BS M 1908 via network links 1962, 1964, respectively. Networknode 1960 is also coupled to other network nodes, e.g., other basestations, AAA server nodes, intermediate nodes, routers, etc. and theInternet via network link 1966. Network links 1962, 1964, 1966 may be,e.g., fiber optic cables. Each end node, e.g., EN(1) 1936 may be awireless terminal including a transmitter as well as a receiver. Thewireless terminals, e.g., EN(1) 1936 may move through system 1900 andmay communicate via wireless links with the base station in the cell inwhich the EN is currently located. The wireless terminals, (WTs), e.g.,EN(1) 1936, may communicate with peer nodes, e.g., other WTs in system1900 or outside system 1900 via a base station, e.g., BS 1906, and/ornetwork node 1960. WTs, e.g., EN(1) 1936 may be mobile communicationsdevices such as cell phones, personal data assistants with wirelessmodems, etc.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example base station 2000 in accordance withvarious aspects. Base station 2000 implements tone subset allocationsequences, with different tone subset allocation sequences generated forrespective different sector types of the cell. Base station 2000 may beused as any one of base stations 1906, 1908 of the system 1900 of FIG.19. The base station 2000 includes a receiver 2002, a transmitter 2004,a processor 2006, e.g., CPU, an input/output interface 2008 and memory2010 coupled together by a bus 2009 over which various elements 2002,2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 may interchange data and information.

Sectorized antenna 2003 coupled to receiver 2002 is used for receivingdata and other signals, e.g., channel reports, from wireless terminalstransmissions from each sector within the base station's cell.Sectorized antenna 2005 coupled to transmitter 2004 is used fortransmitting data and other signals, e.g., control signals, pilotsignal, beacon signals, etc. to wireless terminals 2100 (see FIG. 21)within each sector of the base station's cell. In various aspects, basestation 2000 may employ multiple receivers 2002 and multipletransmitters 2004, e.g., an individual receiver 2002 for each sector andan individual transmitter 2004 for each sector. Processor 2006, may be,e.g., a general purpose central processing unit (CPU). Processor 2006controls operation of base station 2000 under direction of one or moreroutines 2018 stored in memory 2010 and implements the methods. I/Ointerface 2008 provides a connection to other network nodes, couplingthe BS 2000 to other base stations, access routers, AAA server nodes,etc., other networks, and the Internet. Memory 2010 includes routines2018 and data/information 2020.

Data/information 2020 includes data 2036, tone subset allocationsequence information 2038 including downlink strip-symbol timeinformation 2040 and downlink tone information 2042, and wirelessterminal (WT) data/info 2044 including a plurality of sets of WTinformation: WT 1 info 2046 and WT N info 2060. Each set of WT info,e.g., WT 1 info 2046 includes data 2048, terminal ID 2050, sector ID2052, uplink channel information 2054, downlink channel information2056, and mode information 2058.

Routines 2018 include communications routines 2022 and base stationcontrol routines 2024. Base station control routines 2024 includes ascheduler module 2026 and signaling routines 2028 including a tonesubset allocation routine 2030 for strip-symbol periods, other downlinktone allocation hopping routine 2032 for the rest of symbol periods,e.g., non strip-symbol periods, and a beacon routine 2034.

Data 2036 includes data to be transmitted that will be sent to encoder2014 of transmitter 2004 for encoding prior to transmission to WTs, andreceived data from WTs that has been processed through decoder 2012 ofreceiver 2002 following reception. Downlink strip-symbol timeinformation 2040 includes the frame synchronization structureinformation, such as the superslot, beaconslot, and ultraslot structureinformation and information specifying whether a given symbol period isa strip-symbol period, and if so, the index of the strip-symbol periodand whether the strip-symbol is a resetting point to truncate the tonesubset allocation sequence used by the base station. Downlink toneinformation 2042 includes information including a carrier frequencyassigned to the base station 2000, the number and frequency of tones,and the set of tone subsets to be allocated to the strip-symbol periods,and other cell and sector specific values such as slope, slope index andsector type.

Data 2048 may include data that WT1 2100 has received from a peer node,data that WT 1 2100 desires to be transmitted to a peer node, anddownlink channel quality report feedback information. Terminal ID 2050is a base station 2000 assigned ID that identifies WT 1 2100. Sector ID2052 includes information identifying the sector in which WT1 2100 isoperating. Sector ID 2052 can be used, for example, to determine thesector type. Uplink channel information 2054 includes informationidentifying channel segments that have been allocated by scheduler 2026for WT1 2100 to use, e.g., uplink traffic channel segments for data,dedicated uplink control channels for requests, power control, timingcontrol, etc. Each uplink channel assigned to WT1 2100 includes one ormore logical tones, each logical tone following an uplink hoppingsequence. Downlink channel information 2056 includes informationidentifying channel segments that have been allocated by scheduler 2026to carry data and/or information to WT1 2100, e.g., downlink trafficchannel segments for user data. Each downlink channel assigned to WT12100 includes one or more logical tones, each following a downlinkhopping sequence. Mode information 2058 includes information identifyingthe state of operation of WT1 2100, e.g. sleep, hold, on.

Communications routines 2022 control the base station 2000 to performvarious communications operations and implement various communicationsprotocols. Base station control routines 2024 are used to control thebase station 2000 to perform basic base station functional tasks, e.g.,signal generation and reception, scheduling, and to implement the stepsof the method of some aspects including transmitting signals to wirelessterminals using the tone subset allocation sequences during thestrip-symbol periods.

Signaling routine 2028 controls the operation of receiver 2002 with itsdecoder 2012 and transmitter 2004 with its encoder 2014. The signalingroutine 2028 is responsible for controlling the generation oftransmitted data 2036 and control information. Tone subset allocationroutine 2030 constructs the tone subset to be used in a strip-symbolperiod using the method of the aspect and using data/information 2020including downlink strip-symbol time info 2040 and sector ID 2052. Thedownlink tone subset allocation sequences will be different for eachsector type in a cell and different for adjacent cells. The WTs 2100receive the signals in the strip-symbol periods in accordance with thedownlink tone subset allocation sequences; the base station 2000 usesthe same downlink tone subset allocation sequences in order to generatethe transmitted signals. Other downlink tone allocation hopping routine2032 constructs downlink tone hopping sequences, using informationincluding downlink tone information 2042, and downlink channelinformation 2056, for the symbol periods other than the strip-symbolperiods. The downlink data tone hopping sequences are synchronizedacross the sectors of a cell. Beacon routine 2034 controls thetransmission of a beacon signal, e.g., a signal of relatively high powersignal concentrated on one or a few tones, which may be used forsynchronization purposes, e.g., to synchronize the frame timingstructure of the downlink signal and therefore the tone subsetallocation sequence with respect to an ultra-slot boundary.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example wireless terminal (e.g., end node, mobiledevice, . . . ) 2100 which can be used as any one of the wirelessterminals (e.g., end nodes, mobile devices, . . . ), e.g., EN(1) 1936,of the system 1900 shown in FIG. 19. Wireless terminal 2100 implementsthe tone subset allocation sequences. Wireless terminal 2100 includes areceiver 2102 including a decoder 2112, a transmitter 2104 including anencoder 2114, a processor 2106, and memory 2108 which are coupledtogether by a bus 2110 over which the various elements 2102, 2104, 2106,2108 can interchange data and information. An antenna 2103 used forreceiving signals from a base station 2000 (and/or a disparate wirelessterminal) is coupled to receiver 2102. An antenna 2105 used fortransmitting signals, e.g., to base station 2000 (and/or a disparatewireless terminal) is coupled to transmitter 2104.

The processor 2106 (e.g., a CPU) controls operation of wireless terminal2100 and implements methods by executing routines 2120 and usingdata/information 2122 in memory 2108.

Data/information 2122 includes user data 2134, user information 2136,and tone subset allocation sequence information 2150. User data 2134 mayinclude data, intended for a peer node, which will be routed to encoder2114 for encoding prior to transmission by transmitter 2104 to basestation 2000, and data received from the base station 2000 which hasbeen processed by the decoder 2112 in receiver 2102. User information2136 includes uplink channel information 2138, downlink channelinformation 2140, terminal ID information 2142, base station IDinformation 2144, sector ID information 2146, and mode information 2148.Uplink channel information 2138 includes information identifying uplinkchannels segments that have been assigned by base station 2000 forwireless terminal 2100 to use when transmitting to the base station2000. Uplink channels may include uplink traffic channels, dedicateduplink control channels, e.g., request channels, power control channelsand timing control channels. Each uplink channel includes one or morelogic tones, each logical tone following an uplink tone hoppingsequence. The uplink hopping sequences are different between each sectortype of a cell and between adjacent cells. Downlink channel information2140 includes information identifying downlink channel segments thathave been assigned by base station 2000 to WT 2100 for use when BS 2000is transmitting data/information to WT 2100. Downlink channels mayinclude downlink traffic channels and assignment channels, each downlinkchannel including one or more logical tone, each logical tone followinga downlink hopping sequence, which is synchronized between each sectorof the cell.

User info 2136 also includes terminal ID information 2142, which is abase station 2000 assigned identification, base station ID information2144 which identifies the specific base station 2000 that WT hasestablished communications with, and sector ID info 2146 whichidentifies the specific sector of the cell where WT 2000 is presentlylocated. Base station ID 2144 provides a cell slope value and sector IDinfo 2146 provides a sector index type; the cell slope value and sectorindex type may be used to derive tone hopping sequences. Modeinformation 2148 also included in user info 2136 identifies whether theWT 2100 is in sleep mode, hold mode, or on mode.

Tone subset allocation sequence information 2150 includes downlinkstrip-symbol time information 2152 and downlink tone information 2154.Downlink strip-symbol time information 2152 include the framesynchronization structure information, such as the superslot,beaconslot, and ultraslot structure information and informationspecifying whether a given symbol period is a strip-symbol period, andif so, the index of the strip-symbol period and whether the strip-symbolis a resetting point to truncate the tone subset allocation sequenceused by the base station. Downlink tone info 2154 includes informationincluding a carrier frequency assigned to the base station 2000, thenumber and frequency of tones, and the set of tone subsets to beallocated to the strip-symbol periods, and other cell and sectorspecific values such as slope, slope index and sector type.

Routines 2120 include communications routines 2124 and wireless terminalcontrol routines 2126. Communications routines 2124 control the variouscommunications protocols used by WT 2100. For example, communicationsroutines 2124 may enable communicating via a wide area network (e.g.,with base station 2000) and/or a local area peer-to-peer network (e.g.,directly with disparate wireless terminal(s)). By way of furtherexample, communications routines 2124 may enable receiving a broadcastsignal (e.g., from base station 2000). Wireless terminal controlroutines 2126 control basic wireless terminal 2100 functionalityincluding the control of the receiver 2102 and transmitter 2104.

With reference to FIG. 22, illustrated is a system 2200 that enablesscheduling uplink transmissions by utilizing a static interferencebudget in a multi-carrier environment. For example, system 2200 canreside at least partially within a base station. It is to be appreciatedthat system 2200 is represented as including functional blocks, whichcan be functional blocks that represent functions implemented by aprocessor, software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System2200 includes a logical grouping 2202 of electrical components that canact in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping 2202 can include anelectrical component for scheduling a first mobile device for uplinktransmission from a first sector on a first channel during a first timeslot based on a first interference budget level 2204. Further, logicalgrouping 2202 can comprise an electrical component for scheduling asecond mobile device for uplink transmission from the first sector on asecond channel during the first time slot based on a second interferencebudget level 2206. Moreover, logical grouping 2202 can include anelectrical component for sending assignments related to the uplinktransmissions to the scheduled mobile devices 2208. Additionally, system2200 can include a memory 2210 that retains instructions for executingfunctions associated with electrical components 2204, 2206, and 2208.While shown as being external to memory 2210, it is to be understoodthat one or more of electrical components 2204, 2206, and 2208 can existwithin memory 2210.

Turning to FIG. 23, illustrated is a system 2300 that enables schedulinguplink transmissions by utilizing a dynamic interference budget. System2300 can reside at least partially within a base station. It is to beappreciated that system 2300 is represented as including functionalblocks, which can be functional blocks that represent functionsimplemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof (e.g.,firmware). System 2300 includes a logical grouping 2302 of electricalcomponents that can act in conjunction. For instance, logical grouping2302 can include an electrical component for scheduling a first mobiledevice for uplink transmission from a first sector on a first channelduring a first time slot based on a first interference budget level2304. Moreover, logical grouping 2302 can include an electricalcomponent for scheduling a second mobile device for uplink transmissionfrom the first sector on the first channel during a second time slotbased on a second interference budget level 2306. Further, logicalgrouping 2302 can comprise an electrical component for sendingassignments related to the uplink transmissions to the scheduled mobiledevices 2308. Additionally, system 2300 can include a memory 2310 thatretains instructions for executing functions associated with electricalcomponents 2304, 2306, and 2308. While shown as being external to memory2310, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components2304, 2306, and 2308 can exist within memory 2310.

With reference to FIG. 24, illustrated is a system 2400 that enablesscheduling uplink transmissions by utilizing a static loading offsetlevel. For example, system 2400 can reside at least partially within abase station. It is to be appreciated that system 2400 is represented asincluding functional blocks, which can be functional blocks thatrepresent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combinationthereof (e.g., firmware). System 2400 includes a logical grouping 2402of electrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance,logical grouping 2402 can include an electrical component forbroadcasting a first loading factor employed to analyze a path lossratio related to a first channel 2404. For instance, the first loadingfactor can be based on at least a first loading offset level. Further,logical grouping 2402 can comprise an electrical component forbroadcasting a second loading factor employed to analyze a path lossratio related to a second channel 2406. The second loading factor, forexample, can be based on at least a second loading offset level.Moreover, logical grouping 2402 can include an electrical component forobtaining channel quality reports from at least one mobile devicerelated to the analyzed path loss ratios 2408. Logical grouping 2402 canfurther include an electrical component for scheduling a first mobiledevice for uplink transmission on the first channel based on the channelquality reports 2410. Logical grouping 2402 can also include anelectrical component for scheduling a second mobile device for uplinktransmission on the second channel based on the channel quality reports2412. Moreover, logical grouping 2402 can comprise an electricalcomponent for sending assignments to the scheduled mobile devices 2414.Additionally, system 2400 can include a memory 2416 that retainsinstructions for executing functions associated with electricalcomponents 2404, 2406, 2408, 2410, 2412, and 2414. While shown as beingexternal to memory 2416, it is to be understood that one or more ofelectrical components 2404, 2406, 2408, 2410, 2412, and 2414 can existwithin memory 2416.

With reference to FIG. 25, illustrated is a system 2500 that enablesscheduling uplink transmissions by utilizing a dynamic loading offsetlevel pattern. For example, system 2500 can reside at least partiallywithin a base station. It is to be appreciated that system 2500 isrepresented as including functional blocks, which can be functionalblocks that represent functions implemented by a processor, software, orcombination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 2500 includes a logicalgrouping 2502 of electrical components that can act in conjunction. Forinstance, logical grouping 2502 can include an electrical component forbroadcasting a first loading factor determined from a first time varyingloading offset level pattern based on a first time slot 2504. Forinstance, the first loading factor can be based on a first loadingoffset level. Further, logical grouping 2502 can comprise an electricalcomponent for broadcasting a second loading factor determined from thefirst time varying loading offset level pattern based on a second timeslot 2506. The second loading factor, for example, can be based on asecond loading offset level. Moreover, logical grouping 2502 can includean electrical component for obtaining channel quality reports from atleast one mobile device related to the analyzed path loss ratios 2508.Logical grouping 2502 can further include an electrical component forscheduling a first mobile device for uplink transmission during thefirst time slot based on the channel quality reports and the firstloading factor 2510. Logical grouping 2502 can also include anelectrical component for scheduling a second mobile device for uplinktransmission during the second time slot based on the channel qualityreports and the second loading factor 2512. Moreover, logical grouping2502 can comprise an electrical component for sending assignments to thescheduled mobile devices 2514. Additionally, system 2500 can include amemory 2516 that retains instructions for executing functions associatedwith electrical components 2504, 2506, 2508, 2510, 2512, and 2514. Whileshown as being external to memory 2516, it is to be understood that oneor more of electrical components 2504, 2506, 2508, 2510, 2512, and 2514can exist within memory 2516.

Turning to FIG. 26, illustrated is a system 2600 that enables evaluatingan interference ratio based upon a dynamic loading offset level pattern.System 2600 can reside at least partially within a mobile device. It isto be appreciated that system 2600 is represented as includingfunctional blocks, which can be functional blocks that representfunctions implemented by a processor, software, or combination thereof(e.g., firmware). System 2600 includes a logical grouping 2602 ofelectrical components that can act in conjunction. For instance, logicalgrouping 2602 can include an electrical component for obtaining a firstloading factor based on at least a first loading offset information froma first base station at a first time slot 2604. Moreover, logicalgrouping 2602 can include an electrical component for determining afirst loading offset level pattern from the first loading offsetinformation 2606. Further, logical grouping 2602 can comprise anelectrical component for evaluating a first interference ratio at asecond time slot based on a first loading offset level determined fromthe first loading offset level pattern 2608. Logical grouping 2602 canalso include an electrical component for transmitting a signal thatincludes the first interference ratio at the second time slot to thefirst base station 2610. Additionally, system 2600 can include a memory2612 that retains instructions for executing functions associated withelectrical components 2604, 2606, 2608, and 2610. While shown as beingexternal to memory 2612, it is to be understood that one or more ofelectrical components 2604, 2606, 2608, and 2610 can exist within memory2612.

When the embodiments are implemented in software, firmware, middlewareor microcode, program code or code segments, they may be stored in amachine-readable medium, such as a storage component. A code segment mayrepresent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, asubroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination ofinstructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment maybe coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passingand/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memorycontents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed,forwarded, or transmitted using any suitable means including memorysharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

For a software implementation, the techniques described herein may beimplemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) thatperform the functions described herein. The software codes may be storedin memory units and executed by processors. The memory unit may beimplemented within the processor or external to the processor, in whichcase it can be communicatively coupled to the processor via variousmeans as is known in the art.

What has been described above includes examples of one or moreembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill inthe art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations ofvarious embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodimentsare intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications andvariations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method that facilitates scheduling uplinktransmissions in a communication network including a first base stationthat includes a first sector utilizing a dynamic loading offset levelpattern, the method comprising: broadcasting a first loading factorbased on a first loading offset level determined from a first timevarying loading offset level pattern corresponding to a first time slot;broadcasting a second loading factor based on a second loading offsetlevel determined from the first time varying loading offset levelpattern corresponding to a second time slot, the first loading offsetlevel differing from the second loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB;receiving channel quality reports from one or more mobile devicespertaining to evaluated path loss ratios during the first time slot andthe second time slot; scheduling a first mobile device for uplinktransmission during the first time slot on a first channel based on thechannel quality reports and the first loading factor; scheduling asecond mobile device for uplink transmission during the second time sloton the first channel based on the channel quality reports and the secondloading factor; and transmitting assignments to the first mobile deviceand the second mobile device related to the scheduled uplinktransmissions.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the assignments includeinformation related to a maximum interference budget assigned to thecorresponding mobile device for the uplink transmission.
 3. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: broadcasting a third loading factorbased on a third loading offset level determined from a second timevarying loading offset level pattern corresponding to the first timeslot; broadcasting a fourth loading factor based on a fourth loadingoffset level determined from the second time varying loading offsetlevel pattern corresponding to the second time slot, the third loadingoffset level differing from the fourth loading offset level by at least0.5 dB; scheduling a third mobile device for uplink transmission duringthe first time slot on a second channel based at least in part upon thechannel quality reports and the third loading factor; and scheduling afourth mobile device for uplink transmission during the second time sloton the second channel based at least in part upon the channel qualityreports and the fourth loading factor.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereina summation of the first loading offset level and the third loadingoffset level is within 0.5 dB of a summation of the second loadingoffset level and the fourth loading offset level.
 5. The method of claim3, wherein a first frequency bandwidth associated with the first channelis non-overlapping with a second frequency bandwidth associated with thesecond channel.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first base stationfurther includes a second sector, the method further comprising:broadcasting a fifth loading factor based on a fifth loading offsetlevel determined from a third time varying loading offset level patterncorresponding to the first time slot utilized to evaluate a path lossratio corresponding to the second sector; broadcasting a sixth loadingfactor based on a sixth loading offset level determined from the thirdtime varying loading offset level pattern corresponding to the secondtime slot utilized to evaluate a path loss ratio corresponding to thesecond sector, the fifth loading offset level differing from the sixthloading offset level by at least 0.5 dB; scheduling a fifth mobiledevice for uplink transmission during the first time slot on the firstchannel based at least in part upon the channel quality reports and thefifth loading factor; and scheduling a sixth mobile device for uplinktransmission during the second time slot on the first channel based atleast in part upon the channel quality reports and the sixth loadingfactor.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first time varying loadingoffset level pattern and the third time varying loading offset levelpattern are periodical with dissimilar periods.
 8. The method of claim6, wherein the first time varying loading offset level pattern and thethird time varying loading offset level pattern are periodical withsubstantially similar periods and differing phases.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the communication network further includes a secondbase station that includes a third sector, the method furthercomprising: broadcasting a seventh loading factor based on a seventhloading offset level determined from a fourth time varying loadingoffset level pattern corresponding to the first time slot utilized toevaluate a path loss ratio corresponding to the third sector;broadcasting an eighth loading factor based on an eighth loading offsetlevel determined from the fourth time varying loading offset levelpattern corresponding to the second time slot utilized to evaluate apath loss ratio corresponding to the third sector, the seventh loadingoffset level differing from the eighth loading offset level by at least0.5 dB; scheduling a seventh mobile device for uplink transmissionduring the first time slot on the first channel based at least in partupon the channel quality reports and the seventh loading factor; andscheduling an eighth mobile device for uplink transmission during thesecond time slot on the first channel based at least in part upon thechannel quality reports and the eighth loading factor.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the first time varying loading offset level pattern andthe fourth time varying loading offset level pattern are periodical withdissimilar periods.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the first timevarying loading offset level pattern and the fourth time varying loadingoffset level pattern are periodical with substantially similar periodsand differing phases.
 12. A wireless communications apparatus,comprising: a memory that retains instructions related to broadcasting afirst loading factor based on a first loading offset level determinedfrom a first time varying loading offset level pattern corresponding toa first time slot, broadcasting a second loading factor based on asecond loading offset level determined from the first time varyingloading offset level pattern corresponding to a second time slot, thefirst loading offset level differs from the second loading offset levelby at least 0.5 dB, receiving channel quality reports from one or moremobile devices pertaining to evaluated path loss ratios during the firsttime slot and the second time slot, scheduling a first mobile device foruplink transmission during the first time slot on a first channel basedon the channel quality reports and the first loading factor, schedulinga second mobile device for uplink transmission during the second timeslot on the first channel based on the channel quality reports and thesecond loading factor, and sending assignments to the first mobiledevice and the second mobile device related to the scheduled uplinktransmissions; and a processor, coupled to the memory, configured toexecute the instructions retained in the memory.
 13. The wirelesscommunications apparatus of claim 12, wherein said wirelesscommunications apparatus is a serving first base station: and whereinthe channel quality reports include a measurement of an interferenceratio between a signal strength from the serving first base station to arespective mobile device and a weighted sum of signal strengths frominterfering base stations, wherein the weight is a function of arespective loading factor for a particular time slot.
 14. The wirelesscommunications apparatus of claim 12, wherein the memory further retainsinstructions related to broadcasting a third loading factor based on athird loading offset level determined from a second time varying loadingoffset level pattern corresponding to the first time slot, broadcastinga fourth loading factor based on a fourth loading offset leveldetermined from the second time varying loading offset level patterncorresponding to the second time slot, the third loading offset leveldiffering from the fourth loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB,scheduling a third mobile device for uplink transmission during thefirst time slot on a second channel based at least in part upon thechannel quality reports and the third loading factor, and scheduling afourth mobile device for uplink transmission during the second time sloton the second channel based at least in part upon the channel qualityreports and the fourth loading factor.
 15. The wireless communicationsapparatus of claim 12, wherein the memory further retains instructionsrelated to broadcasting a fifth loading factor based on a fifth loadingoffset level determined from a third time varying loading offset levelpattern corresponding to the first time slot utilized to evaluate a pathloss ratio corresponding to a second sector, broadcasting a sixthloading factor based on a sixth loading offset level determined from thethird time varying loading offset level pattern corresponding to thesecond time slot utilized to evaluate a path loss ratio corresponding tothe second sector, the fifth loading offset level differs from the sixthloading offset level by at least 0.5 dB, scheduling a fifth mobiledevice for uplink transmission during the first time slot on the firstchannel based at least in part upon the channel quality reports and thefifth loading factor, and scheduling a sixth mobile device for uplinktransmission during the second time slot on the first channel based atleast in part upon the channel quality reports and the sixth loadingfactor.
 16. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 15, whereinsaid wireless communications apparatus is a first wireless communicationbase station that includes a first sector and the second sector.
 17. Thewireless communications apparatus of claim 15, wherein said wirelesscommunications apparatus is a first wireless communication base stationthat includes a first sector and wherein a second wireless communicationbase station includes the second sector.
 18. The wireless communicationsapparatus of claim 15, wherein the first time varying loading offsetlevel pattern and the third time varying loading offset level patternhave at least one of differing periods and differing phases.
 19. Awireless communications apparatus that enables scheduling uplinktransmissions by utilizing a dynamic loading offset level pattern,comprising: means for broadcasting a first loading factor based on afirst loading offset level determined from a first time varying loadingoffset level pattern based on a first time slot; means for broadcastinga second loading factor based on a second loading offset leveldetermined from the first time varying loading offset level patternbased on a second time slot, wherein the first loading offset leveldiffers from the second loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB; meansfor obtaining channel quality reports from at least one mobile devicerelated to analyzed path loss ratios; means for scheduling a firstmobile device for uplink transmission during the first time slot on afirst channel based on the channel quality reports and the first loadingfactor; means for scheduling a second mobile device for uplinktransmission during the second time slot on the first channel based onthe channel quality reports and the second loading factor; and means forsending assignments to the first mobile device and the second mobiledevice.
 20. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 19, furthercomprising: means for broadcasting a third loading factor based on athird loading offset level and a fourth loading factor based on a fourthloading offset level, the third loading factor being determined from asecond time varying loading offset level pattern corresponding to thefirst time slot and the fourth loading factor being determined from thesecond time varying loading offset level pattern corresponding to thesecond time slot, the third loading offset level differing from thefourth loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB; and means for schedulinga third mobile device and a fourth mobile device for uplinktransmission, the third mobile device being scheduled during the firsttime slot on a second channel based at least in part upon the channelquality reports and the third loading factor and the fourth mobiledevice being scheduled during the second time slot on the second channelbased at least in part upon the channel quality reports and the fourthloading factor.
 21. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 19,further comprising: means for broadcasting a fifth loading factor basedon a fifth loading offset level and a sixth loading factor based on asixth loading offset level, the fifth loading factor being determinedfrom a third time varying loading offset level pattern corresponding tothe first time slot utilized to evaluate a path loss ratio correspondingto a second sector and the sixth loading factor being determined fromthe third time varying loading offset level pattern corresponding to thesecond time slot utilized to evaluate a path loss ratio corresponding tothe second sector, the fifth loading offset level differing from thesixth loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB; and means for schedulinga fifth mobile device and a sixth mobile device for uplink transmission,the fifth mobile device being scheduled during the first time slot onthe first channel based at least in part upon the channel qualityreports and the fifth loading factor and the sixth mobile device beingscheduled during the second time slot on the first channel based atleast in part upon the channel quality reports and the sixth loadingfactor.
 22. A non-transitory machine-readable medium having storedthereon machine-executable instructions for controlling a first basestation, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includingmachine-executable instructions which when executed by a processorcontrol said first station to perform the steps of: broadcasting a firstloading factor based on a first loading offset level and a secondloading factor based on a second loading offset level identified from afirst time varying loading offset level pattern, the first loadingfactor corresponding to a first time slot and the second loading factorcorresponding to a second time slot, wherein the first loading offsetlevel differs from the second loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB;receiving channel quality reports from at least one mobile devicerelated path loss ratios generated based upon the first loading factorand the second loading factor; and scheduling a first mobile device foruplink transmission during the first time slot and a second mobiledevice for uplink transmission during the second time slot based uponthe channel quality reports.
 23. The non-transitory machine-readablemedium of claim 22, further comprising machine-executable instructionswhich when executed by the processor control said first station toperform the steps of: broadcasting a third loading factor based on athird loading offset level and a fourth loading factor based on a fourthloading offset level identified from a second time varying loadingoffset level pattern associated with a second sector, the second timevarying loading offset level pattern and the first time varying loadingoffset level pattern having at least one of disparate periods anddisparate phases, the third loading factor corresponding to the firsttime slot and the fourth loading factor corresponding to the second timeslot; and scheduling a third mobile device for uplink transmissionduring the first time slot and a fourth mobile device for uplinktransmission during the second time slot based upon the channel qualityreports.
 24. In a wireless communications system, an apparatuscomprising: a processor configured to: broadcast a first loading factorbased on a first loading offset level and a second loading factor basedon a second loading offset level identified from a first time varyingloading offset level pattern, the first loading factor corresponding toa first time slot and the second loading factor corresponding to asecond time slot, wherein the first loading offset level differs fromthe second loading offset level by at least 0.5 dB; obtain channelquality reports from at least one mobile device related path loss ratiosgenerated based upon the first loading factor and the second loadingfactor; and schedule a first mobile device for uplink transmissionduring the first time slot and a second mobile device for uplinktransmission during the second time slot based upon the channel qualityreports.
 25. A method of operating a wireless mobile device in anenvironment that utilizes a dynamic loading offset level pattern, themethod comprising: receiving a first loading factor based on at least afirst loading offset information from a first base station at a firsttime slot; determining a first loading offset level pattern from thefirst loading offset information; determining a first interference ratioat a second time slot based on at least a first loading offset leveldetermined by the first loading offset level pattern; determining asecond interference ratio at a third time slot based on at least asecond loading offset level determined by the first loading offset levelpattern, the first loading offset level and the second loading offsetlevel differing by at least 0.5 dB; sending a first signal that includesthe first interference ratio at the second time slot to the first basestation; and sending a second signal that includes the secondinterference ratio at the third time slot to the first base station. 26.The method of claim 25, further comprising determining the first loadingoffset level pattern by employing a lookup table.
 27. The method ofclaim 25, further comprising determining the first loading offset levelpattern by utilizing a predetermined function.
 28. The method of claim25, further comprising: receiving a second loading factor that includesat least a second loading offset information from a second base stationat a fourth time slot; determining a second loading offset level patternfrom the second loading offset information by employing at least one ofa lookup table or a predetermined function; and determining the firstinterference ratio based on at least the first loading offset leveldetermined by the first loading offset level pattern and the secondloading offset level determined by the second loading offset levelpattern.
 29. A wireless communications apparatus, comprising: a memorythat retains instructions related to obtaining a first loading factorbased on at least a first loading offset information from a first basestation during a first time slot, deciphering a first loading offsetlevel pattern based upon the first loading offset information,generating a first interference ratio during a second time slot based ona first loading offset level recognized based upon the first loadingoffset level pattern, determining a second interference ratio during athird time slot based on a second loading offset level recognized basedupon the first loading offset level pattern, the first loading offsetlevel and the second loading offset level differing by at least 0.5 dB,transmitting a first signal that includes the first interference ratioduring the second time slot to the first base station, and transmittinga second signal that includes the second interference ratio during thethird time slot to the first base station; and a processor, coupled tothe memory, configured to execute the instructions retained in thememory.
 30. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 29, whereinthe memory further retains a lookup table utilized to decipher the firstloading offset level pattern based upon the first loading offsetinformation.
 31. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 29,wherein the memory further retains instructions related to utilizing apredetermined function to decipher the first loading offset levelpattern.
 32. The wireless communications apparatus of claim 29, whereinthe memory further retains instructions related obtaining a secondloading factor that includes a second loading offset information from asecond base station during a fourth time slot, deciphering a secondloading offset level pattern from the second loading offset informationby employing one or more of a lookup table or a predetermined function,and generating the first interference ratio for transmission based on atleast the first loading offset level recognized based upon the firstloading offset level pattern and the second loading offset leveldetermined by the second loading offset level pattern.
 33. A wirelesscommunications apparatus that enables evaluating an interference ratiobased upon a dynamic loading offset level pattern, comprising: means forobtaining a first loading factor based on at least a first loadingoffset information from a first base station at a first time slot; meansfor determining a first loading offset level pattern from the firstloading offset information; means for evaluating a first interferenceratio at a second time slot based on a first loading offset leveldetermined from the first loading offset level pattern; means fordetermining a second interference ratio at a third time slot based on asecond loading offset level determined from the first loading offsetlevel pattern, the first loading offset level and the second loadingoffset level differing by at least 0.5 dB; means for transmitting afirst signal that includes the first interference ratio at the secondtime slot to the first base station; and means for transmitting a secondsignal that includes the second interference ratio at the third timeslot to the first base station.
 34. The wireless communicationsapparatus of claim 33, further comprising: means for obtaining a secondloading factor that includes a second loading offset information from asecond base station at a fourth time slot; means for determining asecond loading offset level pattern from the second loading offsetinformation by employing at least one of a lookup table or apredetermined function; and means for evaluating the first interferenceratio based on at least the first loading offset level determined by thefirst loading offset level pattern and the second loading offset leveldetermined by the second loading offset level pattern.
 35. Anon-transitory machine-readable medium having stored thereonmachine-executable instructions for controlling a wireless mobiledevice, said non-transitory machine-readable medium includingmachine-executable instructions which when executed by a processorcontrol said wireless mobile device to perform the steps of: obtaining afirst loading factor based on at least a first loading offsetinformation from a first base station at a first time slot; determininga first loading offset level pattern from the first loading offsetinformation by employing at least one of a lookup table or apredetermined function; evaluating a first interference ratio at asecond time slot based on a first loading offset level determined fromthe first loading offset level pattern; determining a secondinterference ratio at a third time slot based on a second loading offsetlevel determined from the first loading offset level pattern, the firstloading offset level and the second loading offset level differing by atleast 0.5 dB; transmitting a first signal that includes the firstinterference ratio at the second time slot to the first base station;and transmitting a second signal that includes the second interferenceratio at the third time slot to the first base station.
 36. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 35, further comprisingmachine-executable instructions which when executed by said processorcontrol said wireless mobile device to perform the steps of: obtaining asecond loading factor that includes a second loading offset informationfrom a second base station at a fourth time slot; determining a secondloading offset level pattern from the second loading offset informationby employing at least one of a lookup table or a predetermined function;and evaluating the first interference ratio based on at least the firstloading offset level determined by the first loading offset levelpattern and the second loading offset level determined by the secondloading offset level pattern.
 37. In a wireless communications system,an apparatus comprising: a processor configured to: receive a firstloading factor based on at least a first loading offset information froma first base station at a first time slot; determine a first loadingoffset level pattern from the first loading offset information;determine a first interference ratio at a second time slot based on atleast a first loading offset level determined by the first loadingoffset level pattern; determine a second interference ratio at a thirdtime slot based on a second loading offset level determined from thefirst loading offset level pattern, the first loading offset level andthe second loading offset level differing by at least 0.5 dB; send afirst signal that includes the first interference ratio at the secondtime slot to the first base station; and send a second signal thatincludes the second interference ratio at the third time slot to thefirst base station.